Ever wondered when to mark your calendar for egg hunts and long weekends next year? If you’re asking “when is Easter 2026” you’re in the right place — I’ll tell you the date, explain why it moves around, and share a few cultural notes that make Holy Week so interesting around the world.
Easter Sunday in 2026 falls on April 5. That means the surrounding Holy Week events land in early April, with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday immediately before the weekend.
Why Easter Moves Each Year
Easter is a moveable feast because it’s tied to both the solar year and the lunar cycle. The basic rule used by Western churches is: Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the March equinox. That combination of spring timing and moon phase causes Easter to fall anywhere between late March and late April.
This dating method has roots in early church decisions meant to align the celebration with Jewish Passover timing and the natural seasons. Different Christian traditions sometimes use slightly different calculations, which is why Orthodox Easter sometimes falls on a different day.
Key Dates for Easter 2026
Maundy Thursday: April 2, 2026.
Good Friday: April 3, 2026.
Holy Saturday: April 4, 2026.
Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026.
Many countries list Maundy Thursday and Good Friday as public or special non-working days, so expect long-weekend travel and community events in places with strong Holy Week traditions.
How People Celebrate Holy Week Around the World
Philippines
Large-scale observances include processions, church services, and solemn rituals; Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are widely observed as public holidays.
United States
Many attend sunrise services and family gatherings; classic traditions include egg hunts and Easter brunches.
Spain and Latin America
Cities host elaborate processions with religious statues, especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
Greece and other Orthodox countries
If Orthodox Easter differs, they often observe with midnight services and fireworks on Holy Saturday into Easter Sunday.
Did You Know?
The word “Easter” likely comes from a Germanic spring goddess named Eostre, though other languages use words derived from “Pascha,” the Greek and Latin form of Passover.
Quick Q&A About Easter Dates
Q: Will Easter 2026 be on the same date for all Christians?
A: Western churches (Catholic and most Protestants) will celebrate Easter on April 5, 2026. Eastern Orthodox churches sometimes use a different calendar, so their Easter can fall on another Sunday.
Q: What determines Good Friday and Maundy Thursday dates?
A: They fall the two days immediately before Easter Sunday, with Maundy Thursday on the Thursday before Easter and Good Friday on the Friday before Easter, so in 2026 they are April 2 and April 3 respectively.
Q: Is Easter a public holiday everywhere?
A: No. Some countries make the Friday and Monday around Easter public holidays; others do not. Check local holiday calendars if you’re planning travel.
A Few Historical and Cultural Notes
Early Church Decisions: The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) formalized the method for dating Easter to promote uniform observance across Christian communities.
Egg Symbolism: Eggs represent new life and rebirth, which made them a natural symbol for the resurrection and spring renewal.
Lent and Eastertide: Lent is the 40-day fasting period leading up to Easter; Eastertide is the 50-day season following Easter Sunday, ending at Pentecost.
Local Variations: In some regions, unique food traditions mark the day — hot cross buns in the UK, lamb in many Mediterranean countries, and colorful eggs in dozens of cultures.
Personal Note
I always enjoy how Easter blends solemn tradition with playful customs. There’s something comforting about sunrise services followed by a messy, laughter-filled egg hunt. Planning around the April 5, 2026 date makes it easy to book travel or a cozy family brunch in advance.
Wrapping Up
Easter 2026 falls on April 5, making the core Holy Week days April 2–5. Whether you observe it as a religious holiday, a chance for a family reunion, or simply an excuse for chocolate, knowing the date helps you prepare. How will you spend Easter 2026 — hunting eggs, traveling, or relaxing at home?